Kenya: Over 1mn Candidates Begin KCSE Main Papers As CS Ogamba Warns Against Exam Malpractice

What the report says

More than one million students in Kenya have started the main written papers of the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, according to Capital FM reporting republished by AllAfrica. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba marked the opening of the exams in Kisii after witnessing the opening of a Kenya National Examinations Council container at the Borabu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office in Nyamira County.

The ministry says 1,048,355 candidates are registered this year, the first time KCSE participation has passed the one-million threshold. Ogamba said the figure is higher than in 2025 and described the start of the written papers as an important moment for learners, families and teachers. The examination period began earlier in October with oral, practical and low-candidature papers, and the main session is scheduled to run until 20 November 2026.

Ogamba also warned against malpractice, saying the government has tightened security around exam materials and will act against practices such as impersonation, collusion and unauthorized materials. He singled out mobile phones as a major integrity risk and said they are not allowed for candidates or exam personnel during sessions.

He added that the authorities are coordinating with education, interior and security agencies to keep the exams running smoothly across more than 10,000 centres, while also preparing for possible weather disruptions. The report says the government has also pledged support for candidates with special needs and other emergencies as Kenya nears the end of the 8-4-4 system and moves further toward Competency-Based Education.